Every year,
the bar honors its members who have reached 50 years
of membership. Last month, these members were honored
at a special luncheon at the Tualatin Country Club
in Tualatin. We asked the members of Class of 1955
what advice they would like to pass along to today’s
new lawyers. Here is some of what they had to say:

"Insist
on professionalism and civility. Support the independence
of the judiciary." — Hon. Richard D. Barber

"To
the class of 2005 I would suggest that it conduct
the standards of the legal profession in an ethical
manner at all times."— George R. Duncan,
Jr.

"Be
particularly careful and diligent when you do something
in the legal world for the first time." — Dale
M. Harlan

"Legal
work you reject may be the best underpinning of a
good practice. Do not serve the vindictive, the overly
greedy or the unreliable. Furthermore, wherever possible,
ask your client to do certain things on the case.
A busy client is a less bothersome client."— Dale
M. Harlan

"Under-promise
but over-perform.’ That was my motto. I had a ‘UPOP’ placard
on my desk."— Dale M. Harlan

"Beware
the client who is more interested in telling you
what a bad lawyer or doctor he has had. Sometimes,
there is some truth in such assertions, but often
there is a danger signal for you in the client’s
complaints against other professionals."— Dale
M. Harlan

"Try
to find a good mentor. I had two good ones, both
circuit judges in Clackamas County: Judge Ralph Holman
and Judge Phil Hammond. Often, older attorneys are
glad to advise and counsel you."— Dale
M. Harlan

"A legal
career is for much more than making money. The taxpayers
and citizens are entitled to expect us to be informed,
and at times to be leaders in our community, state
and nation."— Dale M. Harlan

"Treat
and serve your clients as you would hope to be if
you were the one sitting in the client’s chair." — Dale
M. Harlan

"The
only pearl of wisdom is the return to believing that
we have a collegial profession, not a cut-throat
business." — William D. McDonald

"Join
one or more sections of the bar in areas of the law
you’re interested in. This is a great way to learn
the ropes and build community."— Noreen K.
McGraw

"It’s
probably stating the obvious, but avoid burnout.
There are many other important things in life other
than the law.— Bonnie J. Mentzer

"Take
the problems of your clients seriously, but try not
to be too serious about yourself."— The
Hon. James A. Redden

"Like
people, be courteous and remember that the practice
of law is a profession, not primarily a business."— Campbell
Richardson